Kevin Carpenter – who managed to hit a 30% distance golf ball out of the Riverside Stadium

The first golf exhibition in the North of England got off to a fantastic start as golfers of all ages were left in awe after Kevin Carpenter’s trick shot show.

Visitors saw Kevin hitting shots from a Swiss ball and a unicycle as part of his 20 minute show. Kevin will be performing his show throughout Saturday’s exhibition.

Andrew Hill, a director of DoGolf Ltd. – the company running the event, said: ” It’s the first time I’ve seen Kevin in person but I’ve seen his videos online I thought I’d seen everything he had to offer. As it turns out I was really impressed with Kevin today, without as shadow of a doubt.

“People could visit the exhibition this weekend just to see Kevin. His show alone is well worth a trip.”

Tim Taylor, who is working with DoGolf promoting the show, said: “The first thing that I saw this morning was the trick shot show and I thought Kevin was absolutely fantastic. I thought that was worth the admission price alone. I’d be happy to pay £12 just to watch that.”

Kevin hits an array of shots – from a full swing with a putter to a baseball swing with a driver

Les Dixon, also a director at DoGolf, agreed: “Kevin was very impressive.

“He managed to put a 30% distance golf ball out of the ground, that was awesome to see.”

Visitors have also got a range of opportunities to get involved at Golf North: from free coaching to the nearest the pin challenge and the chance to win fantastic prizes. Jamie Douglas, Golf Sales Executive at Rockliffe Hall, said: “We are giving people the chance to win a fourball at Rockliffe Hall each day over the three day exhibition – which includes breakfast and lunch.

“Talking to people today, who know about Rockliffe Hall, you just don’t hear anything negative, the feedback we get is that Rockliffe is a quality, quality product.”

There’s also the chance to win a free round of golf at Matfen Hall – by holing three consecutive putts.

It’s not just Kevin’s show which will keep visitors entertained. David Ord, PGA Professional at Ingleby Barwick, will be delivering free coaching to visitors over the next two days.

David Ord, PGA Professional at Ingleby Barwick, giving a free lesson at the Golf North Show

David said: “We’re here to promote Ingleby Barwick’s academy, through providing free coaching to hopefully encourage people to come and use the range, come for some lessons, just really demonstrate what we can offer to the general public.”

Chris Morgan, the owner of Ingleby Barwick, added: “We’re here trying to make people aware of our setup. We’ve got first class facilities at Ingleby. We’ve got the teaching academy, a two-tier driving range – the only one in the North. We’ve also got three professionals and a bistro restaurant. Hopefully we can generate some awareness of Ingleby Barwick and attract some visitors here to pay us a visit.”

Golf North has so much to offer visitors. Tim continued: “Middlesbrough have been good enough to open up the ground to us. As you go around the different areas, more layers unfold.

“All the various golf companies, you can hit some balls, everybody can get free coaching whether they’ve played golf before or not. So I’d say it’s tremendous value for money and a great day out.”

Tickets can be purchased on the day from the East Stand ticket office. The show is open: Saturday 10am – 5.30pm and Sunday 10am-4pm.

Golfers from Berwick to Hull are set to be thrilled at the inaugural Golf North Show at Middlesborough FC’s Riverside Stadium from October 19 – 21 (Fri-Sun).

The first event of its kind to be held in the North is headlined, this year, by trick shot specialist Kevin Carpenter. Take a look at Kevin’s skills HERE.

Les Dixon, a director of Durham based Dogolf Limited – the company behind the three-day show said: “There is a huge demand for this among golfers in the region.

“The North East has never had a golf show. In the past you would have to travel to Birmingham or London, but we’re bringing the exhibition to golfers in the North East.”

Golf North offers a variety of ways to get involved as part of the interactive zone. There’s free PGA coaching throughout the day including a coaching clinic from European Seniors Tour player and Matfen Hall professional, John Harrison.

This year’s event has four ambassadors: Craig Hignett, John Harrison, Ladies European Tour professional Kimberley Crooks and Darren Grey, the Darlington based former World one-armed golf champion.

Les continued: “In choosing ambassadors we wanted a mixture of talent and expertise.

“Craig is well known on Teesside and highly respected across the region. John is one of the best coaches in the North East. He’s also a huge Middlesborough fan and wanted be involved from the outset.

“There’ll be the chance to get a lesson from a one-armed golfer or to just watch Darren hit some shots, which is a fantastic opportunity.”

The event includes exhibitions from a number of the region’s top courses, including: Ramside Hall, De Vere Group, Matfen Hall and Ryton Golf Club.

Major brands: Mizuno, Callaway, Yonex and IJP Design will also be part of the three-day golf show. Visitors can look forward to a range of Golf North Show deals from the exhibitors.